River Valley Power & Sport - Marine of Red Wing — Attraction in Red Wing

Late summer of 2018

I met Zach shortly before his company changed owners. I had opportunity to observe Zach dealing with his customers while I was waiting my turn. He really makes good effort to deal with each person and gives his entire attention to them even when others are waiting. You won’t be ignored.

We had a lengthy discussion of what I wanted in a boat. Then he showed me a couple boats that fit what I wanted. We had to travel to two marinas to see them and he devoted the entire evening to do this. I made a choice then we visited the one I wanted again and he helped with making an offer which was accepted. I arranged for a survey then there were a few things that needed servicing. Once that was done we went for a sea trial. This failed badly. I have to give 5 stars to Zach and his mechanic for spending a hot day in the engine room keeping us going. Then Zach recommended they service the boat. During the servicing Zach called me several times to discuss the progress. The company changed owners during this time but as far as this deal was concerned, it went pretty smoothly with only a couple delays. Again Zach called and kept me informed. I really appreciated this as this was my first “big” boat and I was uneasy about the events. The repairs were completed and we eventually had a successful sea trial. This was an all afternoon event and Zach went over every detail as we operated the boat. We closed the deal very seamlessly and the paperwork was done step by step with good explanations.

This purchase was top of line. I don’t think I’ve ever had this fine of service on a vehicle purchase. I have to give this 5 stars even though we had issues. They were taken care of very professionally and I was notified of the progress.

I highly recommend Zach at River Valley Marina/ River Valley Power and Sport for your...

I am very distraught at the lack of effort and the poor quality of the service of River Valley Marine. I've had many many issues with this company and have been able to look past them but this one is beyond excusable. I called to explain issues I am having with the boat trailer that came with the boat we purchased from them. The issue is that all summer I was able to back the boat up into the garage on a slight hill or back the boat up in any other location without any problems. Right as I was putting the boat away for winter storage the surge brakes suddenly locked up on me which seemed very weird. The dealer did not give me the bypass key that was supposed to be provided from the trailer manufacturer when the boat was purchased so I used a c-clamp just to get it in the garage. I called River Valley today to ask what the issue was. I was ensured I just need to get a replacement bypass key and that will do the trick.  This seemed wrong, since again all summer I had no issues. So I could have carried on and just did what they said and would have eventually probably damaged my trailer by always using the bypass to back up. So I called the actual manufacturer to understand what the issue was. He said there is an issue with the trailer brake system (bad backup solenoid) and directed me to the company to have the warranty paperwork filled out. I do not feel comfortable at all having River Valley do any work on anything I own so I am praying they have other dealers in the area that can do the repair work on my trailer once the warranty is submitted. Maybe whoever I talked to just figured I am a woman so they can just tell me whatever and it would be okay... thanks...

Purchased a 2013 model year boat as a demo unit in 2014. The boat was sold to me in 'as-new' condition and was communicated as such. As it was one year old and had about 50 hours on it, the price was reasonable and they included covers and a keel guard as part of the deal.

Flash forward three years and the keel guard adhesive is starting to fail so I peel it back to replace it, only to find significant damage to the keel which was shoddily repaired using just fiberglass and resin without paint over it. Guess the keel guard did the job of concealing the damage. Called Shannon who is the general manager and all he could say is 'what a great deal you got on the boat' and some wear and tear is expected on a one year old boat. So I sent him the paperwork showing as-new on he sale ticket and he passed me off to his service manager Darrel who said they would come pick up the boat, make the repair in a week and deliver it back detailed complete.

A week later and no updates the boat was still not back in my garage so I call and ask what is up. 'Well, things are really busy' he says and it will be another week. I was concerned about the snow and salt on the roads but he assured me they would put it on a flatbed to bring it back but they would clean it up completely before sending it out the door. A few days later the boat arrives after being towed BEHIND a flatbed, complete with the sand and bugs from the previous summer still in and on the boat.

Called the owner to voice my opinion, never heard from him. Never once did anyone at River Valley apologize for lying. Never buy a used boat from them without removing all 'add-ons' that can...